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Nuggets have eye on another Tar Heel

Denver could draft Marshall to play along side Lawson

By Benjamin Hochman The Denver Post

Posted:
06/27/2012 10:18:19 PM MDT

Updated:
06/27/2012 10:18:28 PM MDT

DENVER -- In the powder blue eyes of Nuggets coach George Karl, life's riches includes: a hug from his daughter; a birdie; a win streak by his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates; another birdie; a Tar Heel in a Nuggets uniform.

Sure, Ty Lawson can drive him batty at times, but at the end of the day, Lawson is North Carolina-bred, as is Karl and as was Raymond Felton, another recent Denver point guard. And tonight, it's quite possible Karl could be blessed with yet another UNC floor general. Denver picks 20th in the NBA Draft - and while a lot could happen, the Nuggets could end up with the enticing Kendall Marshall, the 20-year-old leader of the Carolina offense.

The Nuggets believe they'll be able to re-sign free agent point guard Andre Miller, Lawson's backup, but security at the point guard position is vital in the NBA, especially for a fast-paced offense such as Denver runs. No, the Nuggets didn't work out the 6-4, 198-pound Marshall, but he is a thrilling point guard from a winning program, as are Kentucky's Marquis Teague and Kansas' Tyshawn Taylor, two fellows who did work out for Denver this month (Taylor is more likely a second-rounder and the Nuggets pick 38th and 50th, too).

Take it for what it's worth, but three mock drafts Wednesday had Denver choosing Marshall: (espn.com, si.com and

net'>nbadraft.net). Asked to break down Marshall's game, Nuggets director of scouting Mike Bratz said Wednesday, "Kendall is a pass-first point guard, he's a guy who looks to get teammates involved. He's a leader. He's improved the last couple years as far as his shooting - led Carolina to some very big wins. He's played in big games, he's guarded the best people. He's a proven player. He's going to have a real nice career in the NBA."

Nuggets' management worked the phones this month, hearing options from teams throughout the league about possible trades. The roster is enticing, after all -counting Miller and free agent JaVale McGee, who said he wants to re-sign, Denver is 10-deep, not counting shooting guard Jordan Hamilton, a player the coaches hope to utilize, as the "11th man."

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that the Warriors, looking to solidify their small-forward position, inquired about Denver reserve small forward Wilson Chandler, who has the talent to start but backs up Danilo Gallinari. A trade like that could get Denver the No. 7 overall pick, and in contention to draft a shooting guard such as Syracuse's Dion Waiters or Duke's Austin Rivers. This leads to questions held in both the Nuggets draft room and in Denver bars alike: is it worth trading a proven commodity such as Chandler?

Nuggets management has talked for years about the need for flexibility and their roster gives them just that. Another player who could fit Denver's mold would be Bradley Beal, the Florida shooting guard who, arguably, could give Arron Afflalo a run for his money at the starting spot. Beal is likely a top-five pick, though. Is he the type of player for whom Denver should trade multiple assets?

One thing is certain. The Nuggets must improve their 3-point shooting next season. They were sixth-worst in the NBA this past season.

"We did bring in some of the top shooting players and we're taking a hard look at those guys," Bratz said, in reference to Frenchman Evan Fournier and Vanderbilt's John Jenkins, who led Division I in 3-pointers made.

As for Fournier, Bratz believes he wants to play in the league next season and not overseas, though the team that drafts him will have to make that decision.

Numerous forwards could be available at No. 20, including the tantalizing Royce White of Iowa State. Said Bratz: "You don't see many guys like him who have his skill set at his size. He's 6-8, 260 and the best thing he does is pass the ball."

But as the Nuggets prepare for the 20th pick, the words of Karl from last week carry into the day.

"I don't want to burst anybody's bubble, but I don't think the 20th pick in this draft is going to be better than Jordan Hamilton or Julyan Stone, and they didn't play this year," Karl said.

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